Published 3:44 pm, Monday, February 14, 2011

Graveside services may take on a new format if Midland County moves forward on a proposal to add a pavilion to Fairview Cemetery.

County commissioners on Monday authorized a request for proposal be released regarding such a facility. If constructed, it could provide a place for graveside services to be held and create a room for the internment of cremated remains.

"I'd say it's been a long time coming," said Jimmy Smith, commissioner for Precinct 1.

David Sapp, cemetery supervisor, showed the court drawings of what a pavilion-type building could look like. He said the facility would be an open-air pavilion that would have sliding glass doors on both sides of the building as well as a front door.

A vaulted room at the back of the building would contain spaces for holding urns with cremated remains, Sapp said. By placing the remains in an indoor space instead of in the ground, Sapp said it would allow staff to more easily retrieve an urn and provide it to families when requested.

In the case of indigent burials, Sapp said sometimes a family will return later and request the remains. Without this type of facility, the county has to pay the fees associated with uncovering and recovering the grave site where the urn had been.

County Judge Mike Bradford said the building also could help provide a solution to some space issues the county may have because of the number of indigent burials that take place at the cemetery. Presently the cemetery is open only for indigent burial to veterans and to those who already own plots within the site off "A" Street. The county does not sell plots.

"We're not talking about re-opening Fairgrounds to the public," Bradford said. "It's part of a possible solution to indigent burials."

Tim Harris, facilities director for the county, said the pavilion would be about three times the size of the tent the county presently sets up for graveside services and would hold 50 to 100 people. Because of the sliding doors, the facility also would allow individuals standing outside to hear the service, Sapp said.

Sapp said similar facilities already exist in surrounding counties. In addition to helping alleviate the space issues, he said the pavilion gives families a place to hold services in inclement weather without having to battle the elements.

Bradford said a central place for services also would help keep individuals from walking over other graves to get to a funeral proceeding. Traditional graveside services with a tent would still be available if requested, Sapp said.

The estimated price for the facility will be determined through the request for proposal process, Sapp said.